Latch for automotive vehicle doors



June 11, 1940. B. J. CRAIG 2,204,208

LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOOR Filed Aug. 22, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 11, 1940. B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOOR 1N VENT OR.

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 11, 1940. B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOOR Filed Aug. 22, 19:59 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 11, 1940. B. J, cRAlG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE vmmcm noon Filed Aug. 22, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 m I. w mow 3 mad - Eu mua nEd June 11, 1.940. I B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOOR Filed Aug. 22, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jun 11,;1940.

i B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOOR Filed Aug. 22. 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 1N VENT OR.

MOM

'Pat'ented June 11,

LATCB'FOR AUTOMOTIVE vnmcu: noons Bnrnie J. Craig, Los' Angeles County, I

Application August 22, 1939, Serial No. 291,341 36 Claims. (01.180-82) This invention relates to; door latching and control mechanism which is particularly, although not exclusively, adapted for use in connection with the door of automotive vehicles.-

The general object or the invention is therefore to provide an improved latch construction for automotive vehicle doors permitting quiet and positivelatching and ready opening.

A more speciilc'object of the invention is to i provide a novel automotive'vehicle door latchlng mechanism wherein improved means is provided for controlling the latch bolt in its movement to and/or from latched position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel speed'controlled latch bolt for an automotive vehicle door.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel release for an automotive vehicle door latch bolt.

a novel handle and bolt release member for an automotive vehicle door latch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for controlling a movement of the latch bolt 01' an automotive vehicle door latch.

Another object of the. invention is to provide a latch including a novel outside handle and bolt release member. I

An additional object of the invention is to provide an automotive vehicle door latch mechanism inciuding a novel bolt construction.

A further object of'the invention is to provide a latch including a novel member operable either lock or to release the bolt.

. Other objects and the advantages of my in- 1 vention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Y

Fig. 1 is a side elevation with parts broken away showing an automotive vehicle with the present invention applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation. partly in section, show Fig. 7 is a section taken on line 1-], Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8-8, Fig. 8; 9 is a fragmentary section taken on line A further object of theinvention is to provide advanced position;

PATENT orncs Fig. 10 is a fragmentary partly in section showing the bolt assembly;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section taken on line ll-ii,Fig. 2;

Fig. 12 is a section'taken on line l2-l2, Fig. 4 showing the remote controihandle in the unlocked position;

' v m pfin View Fig. 13 is a section taken on line n Fig. 2;

Fig, 14 is a fragmentary section taken online ll-ll, Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is an elevation 01' the strike;

Fig. 16 is an elevation of the end of the door showing the bolt and dog releasingarm aperture;

Fig. 17 is a pe p ctive view of the bolt;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the carriage; 121g. 19 is a sectional view of the key operated loc Fig. 20 is a wiring diagram; I

Fig. 211s a fragmentary section taken on line 2l-2l, Fig. 3;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the remote control sleeve and cam;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation, partly in section,

Fig. 24 ms side, elevation, in section. showing the latch with the bolt retracted and parts in another position;

showing a modification with the latch bolt in' the Fig. 25 isa fragmentary section taken on line 28-25, Fig. 23; I I V Fig. 28 is a fragmentary section taken online 28-28, Fig. 23;. I v

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary section taken'on line 21-21, Fig. 23;-

Fig. 28 is, a fragmentary section taken on line 28-28, Fig. 23; I

Fig.29 is-a fragmentary section taken on line 28-28, Fig. 23; g

Fig. 301s a wiring diagram; Fig. 31 is a fragmentary side elevation of an automotive vehicle showing a further modification;

Fig. 32 is a side elevation of the. further modi fled latch with parts broken away and showing the bolt in the retracted position; q

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary section taken on'gline ll33,1"lg.32; I

Fig. 34 is .a fragmentary section taken on'line 24-24. Fig.82;

Fig. 35 is a fragmentary section. taken on line 38-, Fig. 31; Y

'Fig.,38 is a fragmentary section taken on line? 36-88, Fig. 31; v l

Fig. 37 is a side elevation of the lock cylinder; Fig. 38 is a section-taken on line "-88.153-

. I Fig. 39 is a fragmentary section taken on line 39-43; Fig. 35; and I Fig. 40 is a wiring diagram. In the accompanying drawings the invention .is shown as embodied in an automotive vehicle door latch which is indicated generally at III. A latch is shown as mounted upon each front door II and each rear door l2 of a sedan type automotive vehicle I3 wherein the doors are mounted on hinges l4 for movement towards and from body pillars l5. v

The latches ll upon the front doors II and the rear doors |2 are preferably identicalwith each ,other except that theyare rights and leizts and that the key actuated lock is omitted on the rear doors. s

The latch I includes a base plate l5 suitably secured to the inner wall of the vehicle door and has a selvage plate I! bent therefrom with the latter plate having a rectangular bolt opening or slot l8 therein which is aligned with a slot l3 in the door edge. The inner edge of the slot i3 is defined' by the plate l5 and the other edges as'shown'include portions 25 bent inwardly from the selvage plate.

The latch bolt includes a carriage 2| (see Fig. 18) having a side 22, an end 23, a flanged top 24, and a flanged bottom 25. The carriage is shiftably mounted on the base plate l5 with the flange on the top 24 slidably engagingtongues 25 bent fromthe plate l5 and with the flange on the bottom 25 slidably engaging a tongue 2'lfolded from the edge ofthe plate I5. The side 22 is' extended as at 28 and has outwardly extending portions 29 thereon which (when the carriage is advanced) engage resilient cushion members 30 mounted on the base plate IS.

The carriage 2| supports a bolt 3| (see Fig. 1'7) which includes sides 32 pivoted at 33 to the carriage and a hollow head 34 which slides on the plate I 5 and passes through the slot l8 inthe selvage plate 11.

A pin 35 on the can'iage supports a pair of toggle links 35 (see Fig. 21) which areconnected by a pin 31 with a bifurcated toggle link 38 mounted on a pin 39 supported on the forward portion of the bolt. The construction is such that the carriage andthe bolt must be first advanced before the toggle can be straightened to shift the bolt head 34 about its pivot 33.

In order to' advance the carriage and bolt the forward end of a rod 4|! pivotally engages the toggle pin 31 while the rear end of the rod passes through an apertured bracket anda second apertured bracket 42 both suitably mounted on the plate l5. The forward end of a spring 43 which surrounds the rod engages a suitable stop member 44 onthe rod. The rear end of the spring 43 engages a movable L-shaped abutment member 45 which isslidable on the plate I5 and beneath the brackets 4| and 42. The member 45 is suitably apertured to receive the rod 40. l A dog 45'mounted on the pin 35 is normally urged by a spring 41 into engagement withthe end of a slot 43 in the plate i5. When the..dog is in'engaged position the bolt and carriage are held thereby against forward movement from a I retracted position. An arm 49 is secured to the slot 50 in the car- -,of the release arm 5| terminates in an enlarged head portion 54 which isslidable in a slot in the plate I] adjacent the slot It. A spring 55 urges the release arm 5| into retracted position against a resilient faced bracket 51 secured to the plate i5.

A stop member- 58 having a resilient face 53 at eachend isinterposed between the outwardly extending portion of the abutment member 45 and the bracket 4| and is secured to the rod 40. A spring 50 disposed on the rod 40 between the bracket 4| and an apertured bracket 5| secured to the member 45 tends to urge the bolt and carriage into retracted. position. A resilient cushioned stop member 62 is secured upon the rear end of the rod 40 and when the bolt is in the ad-, vanced position engages the bracket 42. The member 45 slides beneath a bracket 53 and terminates rearwardly. as at 54.-

' Fig. 6) mounted on a plate 1| secured to the door.

At the rear end thereof the push member 55 is pivotally engaged as at 12 by one end of a tubular arm 13 the other end .of which is pivoted as at 14 to a bracket on the door frame. The arm I3 passes through a slot 15 in the door and includes a resilient cushion 15 which limits the opening movement of the door.

As the door is closed from a fully open position it will be seen that the push member 55 is advanced until the dog 55 engages the end 54 of the member 45. Further motion of the door moves the abutment member 45 to thereby compress the springs 53 and 43 so that the head of the member 45 advances from cushion stop meniber 58 and advances the pin 52 until the latter engages the" end of the slot 53 in the release arm 5|. When the doors-is almost closed the head portion 54 of the arm 5| advances beyondthe slot 55 and projects from the door.

Furtherjmotion of the door brings the head portion 54 into engagement with an engaging portion 11 on a strike I5 secured to the door frame. The arm 5| is then rocked about the pin 52 and moves the arm 43 secured to the dog 45 so that the latter is rocked to release the carriage. The carriage and bolt are then urged forwardly by the spring 43 until the motion of the carriage is arrested by the cushion members 35. The bolt sides 32 are each notched as at I9 so that when the carriage is fully advanced the notches are in alignment with the edge of the door and with the selvage plate i1.

In this position the bolt is free to be shifted laterally as the toggle is straightened until the stop member 52 on the end of the rod 45 engages the bracket 42. After the bolt head 34 has advanced and has moved laterally it engages a resiliently faced engaging portion 35 on the strike 18. Further lateral movement of the bolt moves the door to fuliy'closed position firmly compressing the resilient bumper 3| disposed on the front of the strike where it is engaged by the door as the latter moves to fully engaged position. The spring 43 is so disposed and loaded that the toggle is held firmly straightened. Itwil-l be seen that the above described action the bolt nor the strike need be a hardened mem ber but may be made as a stamping.

Thehead 54 of the release arm BI is of such shape (see Fig. 10) that when the door is open and the arm is retracted the head fills the slot 05 and presents a flush outer surface. when the arm II is extended the head 54 is beyond the slot 55 so that the arm BI is free to be rocked about its pivot 52.. I

In order to retract the bolt from the advanced position and free the door for opening the dog 00 must be released from engagement with the end 04 of the member 45 to allow the carriage and bolt to be returned by the action of the spring 00. When the dog 60 is tripped releasing the abutment member 45 the projecting portion of this member first engages the stop member 50 and being further moved carries the rod 40 rearward. This action first results in'breaking the toggle to therebyshift the bolt laterally after which the bolt and carriage are retracted until a the stop member 50 engages the bracket M "at which time the dog 40 will be disposed in the slot 40.. I Three means are shown by which the dog 00 may be'tripped .and thus the door opened: an outside door handl'e an inner finger tip control,

and an inside emergency release. The release mechanism is indicated generallyatfl, and includes an outside door handle 03 and a roll back 04 mounted on a sleeve 88 rotatable on the plate I0. The sleeve 85 has a hole 00 therethrough which is defined by parallel sides and arcu'ate ends'which are adapted to receive a similarly shaped end on the handle 00. The roll back 04 engages a tongue 01 bent up from a sliding member 00 which includes slots 00- h which receive pins 00 secured to the plate II. The sliding member "is urged toward the roll back by a spring 0i secured to the plate I0. v

. The release mechanism 02 further includes a' control lever 92 pivoted'to the member 00 at 00 l and including wings 04 adjacent the sleeve 00.

The wings 04 are engageable with an eccentric pin a! (seeFlg. 19) of a-spindle lock shaft 00 which is of usual construction including a lock barrel 01. The lock shaft may be turned in either direction by a key and when released is returned a by a spring 00. The normal unlockedcondition is'shown in Fig. 2. when. the lock shaft .is-ro- 00 of the control lever 02. A reverse movement tated from this position, the eccentric pin pushes the upper wing upthus lowering the other end oi the key reverses the direction of movement of. the control lever. The detailsof the key operated lock form no part'of the present invention and'other types'of locks may be'employed.

g The bracket 42 extends over the control lever 02 and as shown includes a barrel I00 (see Fig.

.13) containing a spring I" which urges a ball I 02 into either of two grooves I00 in the control lever 02. This construction is such thet the control lever maybe rocked by the key to either I upper or lower position so that the ball I02 enters either groove thus permitting the control; lever 02 to be reciprocated bodily back and forth by,

position and is shifted by the outside handle through the roll back" 84, the .cam I04 engages the portion I00 on the dog 00 to swing the latter about its pivot so that it is raised from engagement with the end 04 ofthe member 45. If, however, the control lever 92 is turned by the key to the lower or locked condition and the Jever 02 is then shifted by the roll back 04, the cam I04 does not engage the portion I05 but instead passes through a slot I 00- in the dog- 00 so that the dog is not released.

The dog 00 may be also released by a finger tip. control I01 which is preferably built into the handle I 00 of a remote control assembly on the insideof the door as shown in Fig. 12. As shown the finger tip control I01 includes a thumb or finger tip operable button I00 slidable in a bore H0 in the handle I08 and urged outwardly by a light spring I II encircling a rod II2 connecting the button I 00 with a plunger I I3 which slides within a sleeve 4 rotatable within an aperture III in the plate I0 and an aligned aperture H6 in the bracket 00. A stop member II! is secured within the sleeve 4.

The initial orpreliminary movement of the button I00 and plunger .I I3 operates an electrical switch H8. The's'wltch includes a bent resilient strip IIS, contacts I20 and'a supporting bracket I2I. The switch H0 controls a circuit I22 (see Fig. 20) to an electro-magnet I23 which in turn operates a dog I24 from its normal position .which limits further motion of the plunger II3 to a po sition which permits further movement of the plunger. 8

As shown in the wiring diagram the circuit .in-

cludes a suitable speed influenced member I25.

which is subject to the speed of the vehicle and the construction is such that the circuit to the electr -magnet I23 isrendered inoperative when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a certain rate but is operative when the vehicle is below the certain rate. The speed controlled member I25 may be of any type c. g; it may be-of the type disclosed in the applicants prior application, Serial No.'2 06,534,'filed May 7, 1938.

The dog I24 (see Fig. 14) is pivoted to the bracket as at I20 and includes an armature portion I2'I, adjacent the electro-magnet I23 and a portion I28 adjacent the sleeve 4' the latter portion being in the path of the plunger I I3 when the electro-magnet-is not energized but allowing further motion of the plunger when the electro-- magnet shifts the dog. A spring I20 normally urges the dog I24 into engaged position. A movement of the plunger beyond its preliminary p0,-

sition causes the plunger to engage the end portion I00 of the dog 00 to thereby shift'the dog and release the bolt. The. electrical lead-I23 to the electro-magnet is conducted to the door by passing through the bore of the tubular arm I3.

A a'uardportion I3I on the handle I00 (see Fig. 12) partially surrounds the push button I09 and prevents the latter from being operated by a chance blow.

a It will-be seen that the door may be opened from the inside while the vehicle is at rest by a cannot be operatedwhenfl the vehicle speed is light pressure on the button I00 which, however,

' engages the extending portion I30 of the dog 66 and shifts the latter to release the bolt. An arm I33 is rigidly secured to the sleeve II4 and includes an arcuate portion I34 which. carries a relatively heavy spring I39. which at one end engages the arm I33 and at the other a suitable apertured bracket I39 secured to the plate I 6.

Itwill be seen that the remote control may be operated under heavy force, at all times, the spring I35 being of such nature that thehandle may be turned only when a heavy force is applied thereto.

The control lever 92 may be shifted to and from the locked position byan interior lockinglever I31 (see Fig. 12) which passes through a 5 slot, I 38' in the plate l6 and is pivoted on the sleeve H4. The lever I31 includes an arm I39 with a bent up end I49 engaging a slot I in the end 99 of the control lever 92. As shown the slot I has a curved portion I42 engageable witha rounded edge of the bent up end I49.

The arm I39 includes a cam I43 which when the control lever is inthe locked position, is in the path of movement of a. cam I44 on the member 46 sothat it will be lifted when the latter cam moves either forwardly or rearwardly. It

will be seen that the latch will remain in locked condition when the control lever s2 is first lowered to the locked position bythe locking lever I31 through the bent up end I engaging 0 the slot I and the door is then closed while the outside handle is turned. With the cam parts in the broken line position of Fig. 4 where'- in the outside door handle is turned, the abutment member advances, the cam I49 engages 45 the cam [43 and raises the arm I39. When the handle is released the lever 92 is shifted -by the spring 9| so that the curved portion I42 01 the slot I4I engages the end I49 of the arm I88.

If the door is closed with the locking lever in 50 locking condition and without turning the outside door handle, the cams I43 and 144 return the mechanism to unlocked position. 'Further, the cams I 43 and I44 return the mechanism to unlocked condition when the door is locked and then opened by either the finger tip control or the inside door handle.

' Operation Assuming that the vehicle is at rest with the 60. door closed and the latch in locked. position the operation may be as follows: The outside door handle 83 is semiiioating and may be turned without result. Inserting the key and placing the latch in unlocked condition byshiiting the control lever 92 permits the exterior handle to sure there is no wear-so that a hardened bolt and strike are unnecessary and both parts may be stampings.

' It will be further observed that the bolt is moved into tight clamping engagement with the 5 strike by the straightening of the toggle links 39 and 33 so that the door cushions or bumpers M are tightly compressed.

The construction is such that the straightening action or the toggle occurs when the toggle is 1 beyond the door-glass guiding channel I" and the latch is sufliciently thin to operate within the space between the door glass inner door wall.

To latch the door it is slowly moved to closed position (it 1 may, however, be slammed if de- 15 sired). The permitted slow movement tends to prevent closing the door upon the fingers. As the door is closed to an approximately iully latched position the toggle actuating mechanism is released by the action of the release arm SI 20 and first moves the bolt outwardly behind the arm 13 which is similar to the usual door check and the lead I23 to the electro-magnet passes through this arm so that a member already available serves as a wire guide and. latch energizing member. 30

. From within, the bolt may be locked to prevent release through the actuation of the outside handle by shifting the interior locking lever In which moves the control, lever 92 to locked position.

When the vehicle is at rest, the bolt maybe released (whether it .is in locked or unlocked. condition) by light pressure of the'thumb or finger tip on the push button I08. The finger tip release enables a front seat occupant to 40 reach; backand without eiIort push a rear door button to release that door.

When the vehicle is running the speed control I25 automatically prevents actuation of the push button I09, beyond the preliminaryposltion, to 45 release the bolt but under this condition the remote control handle may be rotated by a heavy force. If the wiring circuit fails, the emergency handle is available for door opening.

' If the passenger desires to'alight and leave the 5,0

vehicle in locked condition, he grasps the inside remote control handle I33 and when the vehicle is at rest,; pushes the convenient button I to release the bolt. He may then without'removing his hand from the handle move the locking lever 55 I31 to locked position. He then leaves the vehicle, turns the outside handle and pushes the door shut. The door remains locked. Outside locking or unlocking may be performed with a key in the conventional manner.

To prevent accidental or thoughtless locking provision is made through the interaction oi the cams I43'and I44 so that the mere shutting the door, without deliberately turning the outside door handle when the bolt is in locked condi- 65 tion, restores the bolt to unlocked condition.

In Figs. 23 to 30 a modification of the invention is shown in a door latch which is indicated generally at 290. 1

As shown the latch 239 includes a base plate -7 .2| and a selvage plate 232 turned up therefromand including a rectangular bolt slot as with t I inwardly extending peripheral guide portions 294 thereon.

A bolt m of rectangular vertical section andihaving a bevelled end no slides within the slot 233 and is secured to a rod 23! which slidably engages a suitably apertured bracket 233 secured to the plate 23!. I

A spring 239 surrounding the rod 231, at one end engages the bolt 235 and at the other end engages an L-shaped abutment member 2 l 3 similar to the abutment member 45 previously described. A resiliently faced stop member 2!! is interposed between the bi'acket 233 and the member H3 and is secured to the rod 23'!.- A spring 2l2 surrounding the rod 23! engages the bracket 233 and a bracket 2" secured to the member 2 !3. The member 2 slides beneath the bracket 238 and beneath a second bracket 2 also secured to the plate 23!.

Apush member .2" slides on the plate 23! beneath the member 2" and includes a dog 2|5 which is similar to the dog 55. The dog 2l5 engages the end 2|! of the member H3 and is pivoted to the member 2 l 5 as at 2l3 and is urged toward the base plate by a'spring 2l9. The push member 2 |5 is similar'to the push member 55 and is pivotally attached at its rear end to an arm 223 similar to the arm 13.

As the door is closed from the fully open position it will be seen that the push member 2l5 is urged forwardly until the dog2i5 engages the end 2" ofthe member 2". Further motion of the door urges the bolt 235 forwardly and compresses the spring 2l2. Still further motion of .the door brings the sloping face 235 of the bolt 235 into engagement with a strike 22! of usual construction including a bolt engaging face 222 and a safety catch 223. The spring 233 is 'compressed as the bolt rides over the bevelled portions of the strike.

n will be seen that the bolt'is held in retracted position within the door by the spring 2I2 acting through the member.2!3 and the stop 2!! except when the door is almost closed so that a passenger will not soil clothes orperson in leav ing or entering a vehicle.

In order to retract the bolt from the advanced position and free the door for opening the dog 215 must be released.from engagement with the end 2". of the member 2l3, thus allowing the spring 2 !-2 to return the bolt. Y

Three means are shown by which the dog 2l5 may be tripped, namely, an outside door handle,

a finger tip control, and aninside remote control. The release mechanism which is operable by an outside handle is indicated generally at 224 and includes a roll back 225 similar .to the roll back 34 mounted on a sleeve 223 rotatable on the plate 23! and similar to the sleeve 35. The roll back 225 engages a tongue bent up from a sliding member 227 which includes slots 223-receiving.pihs 223 secured to theoplate 23!; The slidingmember 22! is urged toward the roll back 225 by a spring 233 secured to the plate, 23!.

- The release mechanism 224 includes a control lever 23! pivoted to the sliding member 22'! as at 232 and sliding beneath'ja bracket 233'secured tothe plate 25!. The bracket 233 includes a bara rel 234 mounted thereon and similarto the barrel 7 I33 and similarly containing a spring urged ball engaging in' either of two parallel grooves 235 in the control lever 23 I. It will be seen that the con- 1 trol lever 23! may be swung to either of two positions as defined by the.grooves 235 and then may be reciprocated back and forth y the roll back 225 while in either turned position. I r

The control lever 23! includes an extending cam portion 235, similar to the cam portion!" previously described, engageable with acompanion portion 231 on the dog 2l5 when the lever 23! is in the upper or unlocked condition and passing through a slot 233. in the dog 2!5 when the lever 23! is in the lower or locked position. When the cam 236 engages the portion 23'! the dog 2 I5 is tripped and'the bolt is released whereupon the door may be opened.

The lever 23! may be swung to and from the locked position by a finger tip control button 233 located above the garnish molding of the door.

The button 239 is mounted on the upper end of a rod 243 engaging at its lower end (as at 24! and 242) in an arm 243 shiftable about a pin 244 mounted on an extension 2" of the bracket 2. The arm 243 is held in normal position by a spring 245. The pm 244 engages a' slot 245 in the arm 243 so the, arm 243 may be both rocked and reciprocated.

- A tongue 24! on the lever 23! engages a slot 248 in th'earm 243. The slot 245 is of such shape that the lever 23! may be freely reciprocated and the arm 243 may be freely rocked without interaction between the lever and the arm'but it will be seen that the lever 23! may be rocked in either direction regardless of whether the latch is in locked or unlocked condition by reciprocation of the button 233.

The arm 243 further includes a projecting cam portion 243 engageable with an extension 253 on the dog 2 I 5 when the arm 243 is rocked about the The arm 243 may be rocked only when the vehicle is at rest, To prevent rocking of the arm whenthe vehicle is moving the arm 243 is pre-' vented from shifting about its pivot by a dog 25! rest the circuit may be closed by a switch 254 (see Fig. 27) operated by the initial rocking of the arm 243. Further rotation of the arm 243 trips the dog 2!5. It will be seen that the arm 243 has an initial movement before engaging they dog 25!. This gives the switch sufllcient time to I operate and the dog suflicient time to be lifted.

The dog 2l5 may be tripped at all times by application of heavy pressure on a remote control handle 255 secured to a sleeve 255 similar to the sleeve !!4, and rotatably mounted'on the plate 23! and the bracket 214. The sleeve 255 includes'a 'cam portion 251, similar to the cam I32, engageable with the portion 253 of the dog 2 when the sleeve is rotated. A spring 253 secured: to the plate 23! engages the end of an arm 253 attached to the sleeve 255. The spring 253 is of such nature that the door may be opened by the remote control only upon the application of a heavyforce.

When the member 2l3mdves forward or back- 7 ward a cam 233 on the lever 23! engages a come panioncam 25! on the member 2!!! when the lever 23! is inthe locked position and lifts the lever 23!. The action of the cams 253 and 25! is somewhat similar to the action of the cams I43 and I44 previously described. When the door is opened from locked condition by the inside finger tip or the inside handle meahs, the cams 253 and 23! returnthe to imlocked condition;

when thevehicle is at rest the'bolt may be released by actuation of the'outside door handle intheusualmanner. I

bolt. The bolt may be released when the vehicle is at rest by pushing rearwardly on the push. button 239 regardless of whether the latch is in locked or unlocked condition and regardless of whether the bolt is engaged in safety latched or fully latched positions.

The inside remote control handle'serves as an emergency release and may be operated at all times to release the bolt regardless of the speed of the'vehicle.

In Figs. 31. to 40 a further modification is indicated generally at 300 wherein the bolt and push member assembly (indicated generally at 301) isg similar to the bolt and push member assembly of the modification 200, previously described,,and includes a base plate 302, a bolt-303, an abutment member 304 and a push member 305 including a dog 306, and an arm 301 similar to the arm 13.

' The dog 303 as shown may be tripped by three means; an outside push button, an inside finger tip control, and an inside remote control handle.

The inside finger tip control and the inside remote control handle as shown are in all respects similar to those of the first described latch i0.

The release mechanism which is operated by an outside pushbuttom is indicated generally at 300 and includes a lock barrel 303 which also 4 serves as a finger or thumb controlled push but- .fixed handle 3|! fitted into a recess M6 in the ton. As shown in Fig. 36 the lock barrel 309 is similar in construction to the lock barrel 31 of the latch l and is slidable within the core of a hollow cylinder 3l0 fitting within an aperture in the base plate 302. The lock barrel 309 includes a transverse pin 3 which may be shifted by the action of the usualkey and which is slidable within'longitudinal slots 3| 2 in the cylinder 3i'0 preventing rotation of the lock barrel.- The in- I tegral lock barrel and push button 303 is normally urged outwardly by a spring 3i3 surrounding the lock barrel and engaging a stop member 3.

As shown the integral lock barrel and push button maybe mounted in the hub of an exterior door to present a neat flush appearance. The handle includes an endportion 3i! while the recess includes a socket 3H5. In assembling, the latch 300 is first attached to the inner panel of the door, the handle 3|! is then fitted into place in the recess 3i6 with the portion 3i3', seated in the socket M6, and finally the cylinder 3l0 is inserted. It will be seen that the handle 3l5 is then immovably secured in place by a screw 3|!" engaging in aligned openings in the door, in the-cylinder 3l0 and in the handle 3l5 and any load applied to the handle is well distributed on the door.

The transverse pin 3| l is engageable with wings 3|! on an arm 3|8 pivoted .to the base plate 302 as at 3l3. Rotation of the look by the key will cause the pin 3 to rock'the arm 3" up and down. A snap-over spring 320 engaging the arm and the base plate holds thearm in either upper or lower position.

- The inner end of the integral lock barrel and button engages one end of a control lever 32I that passes through a slot 322 in the cylinder 3|0 and is pivoted to the arm 3I3 as at 323. The other end 323 of the control lever 32l is engageable with the dog 300 and trips the .latter when the push button! is pushed inwardly when the end 1325 inthe raised or unlocked position.

The lever 32l and the arm 3l0 may be shifted to locked or unlocked position by an inside locking lever 330 similar to the locking lever I31, previously described, and which includes an arm 33i with'a bent up. end 332 engaging a slot 333 in the lever 32l.

A cam 334 on the lever 32i is engageable with a. cam 336 on the member 305 when the end 325 of the control lever MI is in the lower or locked position and when the end 325 rests against the plate 302. buttom is operated and the end 325 is moved away from the plate, the cams 334 and 336 are no longer in the same plane and are inoperative.

When the door is to be locked the locking lever 330 is first operated to placethe latch in locked The latch 300 includes an inner finger tip con-.

trol 338 similar in all respects to the finger tip control I01, previously described, and includes a push button 333, a switch 340, and a dog 3 operated by an electro-magnet 342. The circuit to the electro-magnet includes a speed control 343. The latch 300 furtherincludes a remote control release similar to the remote control of the latch i0 and including a handle 344 secured to a sleeve 345 with a' cam 346 on its inner end, and an arm 34! urged to normal position by a spring-348.

The operation of the latch 300 is similar to the operation of the latch 10 with the exception that pressing the exterior button is substituted for turning the outside door handle.

In order to aid in reading the claims and applying them to the structures shown herein and without'limiting the claims to the detailed construction shown and described it will be understood that the'expression finger tip operated means or similar expressions refer to means which can be operated by light pressures-such as might be readily exerted without undue effort by the tip of the average person's finger or the equivalent pressure, and that the expression hand operated control means refers to means which can be operated only by a pressure which is greater than can readily be produced by the tip of the average person's fingers and refers to control means which requires such pressure that :the act would not be performed in what might be termed to be an unconscious manner.

The speed control means" or similar expressions used herein refers to means which is subfree the bolt so I When, however, the exterior push from within and to means accessible from without the vehicle respectively, although in some of the broader claims such expressions as finger tip means refers to such means regardless 01' whether it is within or without the vehicle.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. In an'automotive'vehicle door latch, a bolt movable'to engaged and released positions, a handle and veliicle speed influenced means movably mounted on the handle for releasing the bolt.

2. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand operated rotary member operable to release the bolt, the member having a bore and a second member reciprocatingly mounted for axial movement in the bore and operable to removable'to engaged and released positions, a rotary remote control member operable to release the bolt, and a speed influenced finger tip operated control member mounted coaxial with the remote control member and movable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to release the .bolt.

5., In an automotive vehicle doorlatch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside remote control member operable to release the bolt, and a vehicle speed influenced finger tip operated control member mounted on the remote control member and movable independently of the remote control member when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to release the bolt.

6. ,In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a 'rotary control member operable to release the bolt, and a vehicle speed controlled finger tip oper-' ated control member accessible to a digit of a hand on the rotary control member and movable to release the bolt, and a guard member about the finger tip operated member.

'1. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to released and engaged positions, means to release the bolt, means to normally restrain actuation of the release means, and push button means operable to a preliminary position to free the restraining means and thereafter operable to a final position to release the bolt, and guard means about the push button and arranged to prevent accidentalmovement or the push button beyond the preliminary position.

8. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to released and engaged positions, means to release the bolt, and finger tip operated means operable to a preliminary non-releasing position regardless of the speed'oi' ,the vehicle and operable to a final bolt releasing position only when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate, and guard means about said finger tip operated means to prevent chance movement of thebolt beyond the preliminary position.

9. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a'bolt movable to engaged. and released positions, an

inside door handle, a speed influenced member mounted on the handle and movable when the vehicle speed'is below a certain'rate to release the bolt, means operable from without the ve- 7:5 hicle to release the b Preventing means to render actuation of said outside control means ineflective to release the bolt, and means accessible to the digit of a hand engaging said handle for shifting said preventing means.

10. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a rotary remote control member operable to release the bolt, a speed influenced finger tip operated member movable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to release the bolt, means operable from without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to render actuation of said outside control means ineffective to release the bolt and means mounted coaxial with said remote control member and operable for shifting said preventing means.

11. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to advanced and retracted positions, means urging the bolt to advanced. and to retracted positions, means to energize the advanc ing and the retracting means,.means permitting the, bolt to retract in passing over a strike withhicle speed controlled meansoperable to release the bolt.

12. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt ment when the door moves from a partially closed towards a closed position to movethe abutment member and bolt towards advanced position while permitting the bolt to retract while passing over a strike, and vehicle speed controlled means operable to release the bolt.

13'. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means to release the bolt, said means including a member mounted to move .about two ,pivots the axes of which aredisposed at an angle to each other, means on said member to release the bolt, when the member is moved about one axis when turned to one position about the other axis, and means to. prevent release of the bolt when the member is similarly moved about the one axis while the member is turned to another position about the other axis. 1

14. In an automotive, vehicle latch construction, a door having a recess in its outer wall, a handle member arranged in the recess, said handle and the wall the recess having releasable interlocking portions and releasable means engaging'the door and handle remote fromthe interlocking portions Ionsecuririg the handle on the door. I

15. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a handle member having a recess therein, a latch controlling lock member mounted in said recess, and a member, engaging said handle member, said lock member and the door to.hold the parts assembled.

16.'In an automotive vehicle latch construc- I out de-energizing the retracting means and vetion, a door having a recessed outer wall, a handle member arranged in said recess and having 'a portion releasably interlocked with the wall of the recess, means engaging the doorand handle remote irom the interlocked-portion for securing struction, a bolt movable to released and engaged positions, a handle adapted to be fixed upon the exterior of a door, vehicle speed controlled push button means accessible for operation by a digit of a hand engaging the handle to release the bolt, means operable from within avehicle to actuate the bolt releasing means, and means to condition the: bolt to prevent release thereof byoperation of said push button a while permitting actuation of the inside means to release the bolt.

18. In a latch construction for automotive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, vehicle speed controlled means for controlling movement of the bolt to released position, a check member adapted to engage the wall of the door opening and a vehicle door to limit the opening movement of the door, and means operated by the check member for energizing the bolt controlling means.

19. In 1a latch construction for automotive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means for controlling movement of the bolt, electro-magnetically influenced means for actuating the control means, a member adapted to engage the wall of a door opening and a door and shiftable across a door as the latter is moved, means operated by the member for conditioning the bolt controlling means, and a lead on the member for supplying current to said electr c-magnetically influenced means.

20. In a latch construction for automotive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means for controlling movement of the bolt, electro-magnetically influenced means for actuating the control means, a lead for the electro-magnetic means, a check member adapted to engage a door frame and a door to limit the opening movement of the door, and means operated by the check member for conditioning the bolt controlling means, the check member including a tubular portion, the lead extendin through the tubular portion. 1 I

21. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, an outside handle,fa bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means remote from the outside handle and operable to release-the bolt, 9. remote control handle rotatably mounted on the door adjacent to the release means, means operable by rotation of the remote control handle to actuate the release means, an operating mem her on the outside handle, and control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movementof the operating member for actuating the release means.

22. In an automotive vehicle latch construc-' tion, an outside handle, a bolt movable to en-' gaged and released positions, means remote from the outside handle and operable to release the bolt, 2, remote control handle rotatably mounted aTiiacent to the release means, means operableby :rotation of the remote control handle upon the application of a heavyiorce to actuate the release means, finger tip operated means operable upon the application of a light forceeto actuate the release -means, vehicle speed influenced means for controlling operation of the finger tip means, an operating member mounted on the outside handle, control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movement of the operating member to release the bolt, and means to render actuation of the control means ineiIective to releasethebolt.

23. In an automotive yehicle'door Man, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand grip member and vehicle speed influenced aaoaaos means accessible to grip member for releasing the bolt.

24. In an automotive vehicle latch constiflction, a door including a recess in its outer wall, a grip member in the' recess. a bolt, and vehicle speed controlled bolt releasing means, including an operating portion accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the 'grip'member for releasing the bolt.

25. In an automotive vehicle door latch cona digit of a hand on the hand a struction, a bolt movable to engaged and released I leased positions, a vehicle speed controlled push button-memberpperable to release the bolt and key operated lock means in the push button and operable to prevent release of the' bolt by actuation of the push button.

2'7. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to en d and released positions, a hand engageable rotary control member operable trol member on the hand engageable rotary control member for movement independent of the rotary control member and movable to release the bolt, and a guard member about the finger tip operated control member.

28..In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a .door having a recess in-its outer wall, a grip member extending across the recess and including a part spaced from the inner wall of the recess, a door bolt, a lock member for the bolt, and means to secure the lock member to the grip member and the grip member to the door.

29. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door having a recess in its outer wall, a handle, means to secure the handle in the recess; a bolt, a lock member including a portion passing through the handle, means to secure the lock member in position, and means associated with the lock member and accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the handle for releasing dzhe bolt.

30. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside door handle: a member accessible to a to release the bolt, and a fingertip operated con- I digit of a hand on the handle andmovable to release the bolt, means operable from without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to' render actuation of said outsidemeans ineflective to release the bolt, and means accessible to a digit of a hand engaging said handle for shifting said preventing means. I

31. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside door handle, a vehicle speed influenced vmemberaccessible to a digit of a hand on the "handle and operable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to release the bolt, means 7 operable from without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to render actuation of said outside means ineffective to release the bolt,

and means accessible to a digit of a hand engaging said handle ior shifting said preventing hand engaging the outside handle, control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movement of the operating member for actuating the release means and a lock member mounted on the operating member.

33. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, an outside door handle, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means remotefrom the outside handle and operable to release the bolt, a remote control handle mounted on the door, means operable by the remote control handle to actuate the release means, an operating member accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the outside handle, and control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movement of the operating member for actuating the release means.

34. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means to release the bolt, said means including a mem ber having a reciprocatingly mounted pivotal support, and means to release the bolt when the member is moved in one direction while turned to one position about its pivot, the last means being ineffective to release the bolt when the member is similarly moved while it is turned to another position about its pivot.

35. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means to release the bolt, said means including a member having a reciprocatingly mounted pivoted support, and means to release the bolt when the member is moved in one direction while turned to one position about its pivot, the last means being inefiective to release the bolt when the member is similarly moved while it is turned to another position about its pivot, and lock controlled means accessible from without the vehicle for moving the member to the other position.

36. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means to release the bolt, the reelase means including a member mounted to move about two pivots the axes of which are disposed at an angle to each other, means on the member to release the bolt when the member is moved about one axis when turned to one position about the other axis, and means to prevent release of the bolt when the member is similarly moved about the one axis.

while the member is turned to another position about the other axis and means to move the member to the one position when the bolt is advanced to engaged position while the member is in the other position.

BURNIE J. CRAIG. 

